Doug reviews the Explorer Zip PFD
Explorer Zip PFD – my tried and tested friend… by Doug Cooper
When I reflect back on every time I go out sea kayaking, the weather, conditions and aspirations for the day is always different – and that’s exactly what makes it so special! With these inevitable differences, what I choose to wear is always changing as well; shorts or salopettes, sandals or shoes, one piece or two-piece, shortie cag or long cag. With all this variety and constant change though, there is one piece of kit that is always with me whatever the weather, conditions or aspirations; it has travelled the world with me and with that has become my ever present tried and tested friend. This bit of kit that is always there for me no matter what I am doing when out on the sea is my Explorer Zip PFD.
Why choose the Explorer Zip PFD I hear you ask; well, the lime and red colour looks great and matches my kayak would be the flippant (but with plenty of truth!) answer. No matter how good it looks though, for it to become the true tried and tested friend it is, it clearly works as well. For me the sizing and fit is great, with plenty of adjustability to always be snugly comfortable no matter what I wear underneath. The shoulder straps are comfortable, so on the hot days when worn next to the skin (yes, we occasionally have that in Scotland!) it doesn’t rub. Then most importantly of all there are the plentiful ‘Tardis’ pockets that comfortably and discretely hide away everything I need ‘ready to access’; when out on the water. The back pocket is all set up to be used with a water drinks bladder, that again is invaluable on those open crossings, hot days or rough days where hydration is so critical and stopping is perhaps not easy.
So, after many years on the sea in all conditions and to support a multitude of aspirations I have come to realise of all my kit, there is only one piece that has been supporting me through everything I do. That is my tried and tested friend…. my Explorer Zip PFD.
If you want to be more like Doug and own some PeakPS kit, then check out or dealer page to find a stockist close to you.
